How to Prepare for an MRI Scan

If you’ve never had an MRI scan before, it’s natural to have questions about what to expect. The good news is that preparation is straightforward, and the scan itself is painless and safe.

This guide walks you through everything you need to know, from what to wear to what happens during your appointment at our Milton Keynes clinic. Whether this is your first scan or you just want a refresher, you’ll find practical answers here.

An MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) scan uses magnetic fields and radio waves to create detailed images of your body without radiation. At VitalScan, we use advanced scanning technology to detect:

• Brain and spinal cord conditions (Brain MRI Scan and Spine MRI Scan)
• Joint, muscle, and ligament injuries (Knee MRI Scan or Shoulder MRI Scan)
• Heart and blood vessel conditions (Cardiac MRI Scan)
• Tumours or abnormal growths
• Organ conditions including liver, kidney, and abdominal issues (Abdominal MRI Scan)

Your results are reviewed by specialist radiologists and typically available within days.

Remove or avoid wearing:

• Jewellery, watches, piercings
• Clothing with metal zips, buttons, or underwire bras
• Makeup containing metallic particles (mascara, eyeshadow)
• Credit cards and phones (the magnetic field will damage them)

If you have a pacemaker, metal implants, or medical devices, inform our team when booking. Most implants are MRI-safe, but we’ll confirm in advance. Learn more on our Your Experience page.

Wear soft, comfortable clothing without metal. Cotton joggers and a plain t-shirt work well. We’ll provide a hospital gown if needed.

For joint scans like a Hand and Wrist MRI or Hip MRI, loose-fitting clothing makes positioning easier.

You can eat and drink normally before most MRI scans. Some abdominal scans require fasting for a few hours. Your appointment confirmation will specify any requirements.

Continue taking regular medication unless we advise otherwise. Drink water before and after your scan, particularly if you’re having contrast dye.

For Full Body MRI Scans, you may receive additional preparation instructions.

Feeling nervous before your first MRI is completely understandable. The scanner can look intimidating, and if you’re dealing with health concerns, the whole experience can feel overwhelming. Our Milton Keynes team works with anxious patients every day and knows what helps.

Talk to us: Let your radiographer know if you’re feeling anxious. They’ll explain each step clearly and stay in contact throughout your scan via intercom. You’re never alone in there.

Breathing techniques: Slow, steady breathing really does help. Try focusing on a calm memory or imagining yourself somewhere peaceful.

Music: Most patients find that listening to music through headphones makes a real difference. It distracts from both anxiety and the scanner noise, helping time pass more quickly.

Sedation options: If you’re very claustrophobic or particularly anxious, sedation is available. We also offer open MRI services designed specifically for patient comfort. You can learn more about these options on our Your Experience page.

Feeling nervous before your first MRI is completely understandable. The scanner can look intimidating, and if you’re dealing with health concerns, the whole experience can feel overwhelming. Our Milton Keynes team works with anxious patients every day and knows what helps.

Talk to us: Let your radiographer know if you’re feeling anxious. They’ll explain each step clearly and stay in contact throughout your scan via intercom. You’re never alone in there.

Breathing techniques: Slow, steady breathing really does help. Try focusing on a calm memory or imagining yourself somewhere peaceful.

Music: Most patients find that listening to music through headphones makes a real difference. It distracts from both anxiety and the scanner noise, helping time pass more quickly.

Sedation options: If you’re very claustrophobic or particularly anxious, sedation is available. We also offer open MRI services designed specifically for patient comfort. You can learn more about these options on our Your Experience page.

• Appointment letter and photo ID
• Current medication list
• Previous scan reports or referrals (if applicable)
• Water bottle

Arrive 15 minutes early for safety checks and questions.

Book your appointment through our MRI Booking Page.

Our reception team will check you in and you’ll complete a short safety questionnaire (this is standard for everyone and just helps us keep you safe during the scan).

Your radiographer will then explain the procedure in plain terms, answer any questions you have, and show you where to change and store your belongings securely. If anything’s unclear, just ask. We’d rather you understood everything than felt rushed through.

The scan itself is straightforward and completely painless. You’ll lie on a cushioned table that slides into the scanner. The machine produces loud tapping and humming sounds while it captures images, which can sound unusual if you’re not expecting it, but it’s just the scanner working normally.

Scan duration: Most scans take 20 to 45 minutes depending on the area being examined and whether contrast dye is used. Your radiographer will tell you exactly how long yours will take.

You can speak to your radiographer through the intercom at any time. If you need a short break or feel uncomfortable, just let them know. There’s no pressure to stay completely still if you need to adjust slightly.

You can leave immediately once your scan finishes. If you receive contrast dye, drink plenty of water throughout the day.

Your results are reviewed by specialist radiologists and typically shared with your referring clinician within a few days. Read more about our process on our Compliance page.

Driving: You can drive home and resume normal activities unless you’ve had sedation.

Some scans require a contrast injection to improve visibility of certain organs or blood vessels. If this applies to your scan, we’ll explain why it’s needed beforehand.

The injection goes into your arm and you may feel a brief cool sensation for a few seconds. Some patients describe a slight metallic taste, but this passes quickly. These sensations are completely normal and nothing to worry about.

Adverse reactions to contrast dye are rare. Our staff monitor all patients closely and are trained to handle any concerns immediately.

MRI scans are safe for children and performed regularly at our Milton Keynes clinic. Parents can usually stay in the room. For younger children, we can arrange positioning support or mild sedation to help them remain still and comfortable.

If you find traditional scanners difficult, ask about our open MRI services. These wider scanners reduce claustrophobia while maintaining image quality.

Both provide detailed internal images but work differently:

MRI: Uses magnets and radio waves. Better for soft tissue including muscles, joints, brain, and spinal cord.

CT: Uses X-rays. Faster imaging, ideal for bones and emergency situations.

Your doctor will recommend the most appropriate scan for your condition. Contact us if you’re unsure which scan you need.

• Remove all metal objects and jewellery
• Wear comfortable, metal-free clothing
• Bring appointment letter and photo ID
• Inform staff about implants, devices, or allergies
• Follow any fasting instructions provided
• Communicate with your radiographer throughout

If you’re still weighing up whether to book, remember that early detection makes a real difference to treatment options. An MRI scan gives you clear answers, and at VitalScan, the process is designed to be as straightforward as possible.

We offer same-day and next-day MRI appointments at our Milton Keynes clinic with no GP referral required. Our clinic is located minutes from Milton Keynes Central Station with free on-site parking at 100 Avebury Boulevard.

Book online at vitalscan.health or call 01908 755556 if you’d prefer to speak to someone directly about your scan.